Sports Scene: Court to eye retaliation for Title IX complaints

WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court agreed Monday to hear a case that could expand the protection offered by Title IX, the federal law known best for promoting women's athletics.

In the fall, the court will look at whether the law also protects people who are not themselves the victim of discrimination but who suffer consequences because they have complained about it.

The court said it will hear an appeal from a former girls' basketball coach who claims he was fired when he complained that his players got second-class facilities and less money than the boys.

No charges for Malone in dispute with fan

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - Karl Malone will not be charged in a confrontation with a fan who said the Lakers' forward poked him in the face before Game 3 of the NBA Finals.

Oakland County Prosecutor David Gorcyca said Monday that Malone did put a finger on Happy Asker's cheek, but it did not warrant prosecution.

Asker, 28, heckled and swore at Malone before the player responded and poked at him, Gorcyca said.

The prosecutor also said that Asker, with his brother, Diah Asker, 31, of San Diego, claimed to have paid a ticket scalper $25,000 for tickets to the game. Gorcyca noted that buying the tickets was illegal, therefore the men's presence in The Palace was illegal.

Peters to coach team while Huggins is out

CINCINNATI - Bob Huggins' top assistant will coach the Cincinnati basketball team during the head coach's indefinite suspension on a drunken driving arrest.

Interim coach Dan Peters will "have total authority with no outside interference to run the basketball program," athletic director Bob Goin said in a statement Monday.

Huggins was placed on indefinite, paid suspension Saturday after his arrest last Tuesday night. Huggins apologized over the weekend and promised to do whatever is asked of him so he can return to coaching.

Blue Jays broadcaster undergoes brain surgery

TORONTO - Blue Jays radio announcer Tom Cheek underwent surgery during the weekend to remove a brain tumor and will require further treatment.

He began feeling ill Friday and was taken to a Toronto hospital, where tests revealed the tumor.

"Everyone at the Toronto Blue Jays wishes Tom a speedy recovery," Blue Jays president Paul Godfrey said in a release.

Also of note

Comets' Thompson sidelined: Comets All-Star forward Tina Thompson is expected to miss Houston's next three games because of a severe left calf strain. Thompson leads the team in scoring (20.8 points a game) and rebounding (5.8 rebounds).

Cyclist Armstrong disputes claims: A former staff member on Lance Armstrong's team says in a new book, "L.A. Confidential, the Secrets of Lance Armstrong," that the cycling great asked her to dispose of used syringes and lend him makeup to conceal needle marks on his arms. Armstrong disputed the claims.